AIS SARTS Now Approved for Use in the US

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of Washington this week approved the SafeLink R10 AIS SART for use in the United States.

Commenting on the approval, Global Sales Director of Orolia Ltd, Ross Wilkinson said, “With this FCC certification the United States joins a growing list of countries that have granted type approval for the SafeLink R10 SRS.”

Unlike traditional RADAR SARTS, which are often large and heavy, AIS versions are intended to be attached to a lifejacket and activated by individuals in difficulty at sea. They use both GPS and AIS (Automatic Identification System) technology to send structured alert messages containing precise location information to nearby AIS equipment vessels within a radius of about 4 nautical miles. In a man overboard situation, chances of finding and recovering the casualty can be greatly increased, thanks to information given these units which can display precise bearing and distance to the man in the water in real time.

The device has the ability to quickly notify the MOB’s own vessel of the loss which is important because, in the open ocean, a quick response from the crewmember’s own vessel may be his only chance of rescue. In addition to basic AIS notification the SafeLink R10 SRS specifically has been designed by UK-based Kannad Marine to be waterproof (up to 5 metres), compact and ruggedly constructed.

Worn on a lifejacket and activated by simply sliding off the safety tab and lifting an arming cap to deploy the antenna, this unique product sends structured alert messages, GPS position and a special identity code directly to AIS receivers within (approximately) a four mile radius. The accuracy of data is guaranteed thanks to the unique inbuilt high precision GPS receiver which updates every 60 seconds. With precise location, bearing and range data given, fellow crew members or nearby sailors’ AIS enabled receivers have all the information they need to locate the position of the person in difficulty and effect a speedy recovery, greatly increasing chances of rescue.

The R10 SRS can also be professionally fitted to a lifejacket so that it automatically activates whenever the lifejacket is inflated. A flashing LED light aids location at night. The R10 SRS is guaranteed to transmit continuously for 24 hours and has a seven year battery storage life.

About John Konrad

Captain John Konrad is the founder and CEO of gCaptain and author of the book Fire On The Horizon. John is a USCG licensed Master of Unlimited Tonnage, has sailed a variety of ships from ports around the world and is a distinguished alumni of SUNY Maritime College.